Off to England: Pedro looks likely to seal a move to the Premier League (Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

Louis van Gaal has admitted Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez possesses the qualities that Manchester United are looking for in a new forward.

Pedro is believed to be close to securing a transfer to Old Trafford after Barca technical secretary, Robert Fernandez, said on Wednesday the Spain international had told the club he wanted to leave.

Pedro - who scored an extra-time winner in Barcelona's Uefa Super Cup victory over Sevilla in midweek - later revealed he did not want to depart the Camp Nou but confirmed he was seeking regular first-team football.